Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28,737, Jonathan French, Conn. Sea Service

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. Sea Service
French, Jonathan
S. 28,737
CONTENTS

Navy
New York - 31,612 28737
Jonathan French Jr. of Chenango in the State of N. York who was a seaman  Marine in the by Captain Patrick Marines of the ship by Oliver French  Cromwell the Com. time for 6 months
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 16 th April 1838 from 4 March to 4 th Sept 1839. Agt Notified 16. June 1840
Paid as above from 4 Sept 1839. to 4 March 1840. Agt notified 31. Decr 1840
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 24 Dollars - Cents per to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of 39, and said Roswell Lee Sherburne, N.Y.
Arrears to the 14th of March $ 194.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 12.00 $ 204.00
{ Revolutionary Claim } { Act June 7, 1832 }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, Book 62 Vol. 4 Page 23

Jonathan French Declaration
18089
adm d emo Seaman. 24/8
Roswell Judson Sherburne N.Y.
24/8

Declaration of Jonathan French
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
State of New York On the eighth day of October 1832 Meediston County ss. personally appeared in Open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting, Jonathan French, who being first duly sworn according to Law deposited on his oath that to make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as here in stated That during the Revolutionary War he resided in the Town of Norwich in the State of Connecticut That in February 1778 he enlisted with Lieut. Perkins to go on board of the Colonel Cromwell a twenty Gun Ship, for Six Months, enlisted at Norwich and shipped on board the first day of March the Ship was commanded by Timothy Barker, and soon sailed on a cruise and they were out about three Months then returned to New London and soon sailed again on a cruise after they had been out a short time they fell in with the British Ship Daphney and frigates Delaware, they had a running fight with the Daphney, but she overhauled them and the Frigate came up and the Cromwell was compelled to strike, the Americans had three men killed and several many wounded, after they were taken prisoners they were carried into New York, the one half of the crew of the Cromwell was put on board of the Prison Ship Jersey, and this defendant as one, they remained on board the Jersey about Six weeks when they were put on board the Goal Haze where they remained until they were exchanged, they were put on board a Hoy vessel and carried to New London where they arrived the last of September, that it was about seven

Month from the time he enlisted until he got back to New Bedford That he has no documentary evidence of his service except the affidavit of Benjamin Fuller who was with him and whose affidavit is here to attached, and that he knows of no other that he can promise to testify to any part of his services. That he here by relinquishes every claim what ever to a pension in any way except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Jonathan French Sworn & Subscribed to this 8th day of October 1832 - A. S. Hoan Clk
And the said Jonathan French did then and there upon his oath make the following answers to the several Interrogatories put to him by the said Court (as by the War department prescribed)
 1 st That he was born in Norwich in the State of Connecticut in the year 1754  2 nd That he has no record of his age though there are as he supposes where he was born in the Town books.  3 rd That he was living in New Milford when he was called into service and lived there until he was twenty one years of age then moved in Providence Rhode Island one year then in Mansfield Connecticut about one year, then a short time in Norwich. Then at Fort Stawmills in what is now Oneida County in New York, where he continued to live until about fifteen years ago when he moved into Hamilton where he has resided ever since.  4 th When called into service he enlisted  5 th That he has stated all he can recollect of the officers with whom he served and the particulars of his service  6 th That he received no discharge being taken prisoner and exchanged. 

That Lucas Crain Esquire is acquainted of Hamilton Amasa G. Ingalls and parsonage  and parsonage  the  the are acquainted with him and as he has testified can testify as to his character for veracity and their opinion of his having been a soldier in the Revolution
And the said court do hereby certify their opinion after investigating the matter, and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department the above named Applicant was used as a Revolutionary soldier and served as a static and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Lucas Crain who has signed the within certificate is a resident in Hamilton Madison County and that Amasa G. Ingalls who has also signed the same is a resident in Brookfield in said County and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
I Andrew S. Sloan clerk of the Court of common Pleas in and for the county of Madison do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Jonathan French for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and and seal of office this 9th day of October 1832 A. S. Sloan Clk
State of New York } County of Madison } I Andrew S. Sloan clerk of the said county do certify that James B. Eldridge before whom the within affi- -davit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same First Judge of the county courts in and for the said county and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscri- -bed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and Seal of office this 9th day of October 1832 — A. S. Sloan Clk

I Lucas Town a Justice of the peace of the of the Town and I Amasa G. Ingalls of Brattleboro of Hamilton in the County of Franklin and State of New York do certify that I am personally acquainted with Jonathan French who is named in the foregoing declaration as defendant. That said French is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the Revolution and I believe in that opinion. I would further certify that the said French is a man of good character for veracity and that his statement is entitled to credit and that I believe him to be sixty seven years of age.
Subscribed and sworn before me September 29th 1832. and I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Lucas Town and that he is a Justice of the peace of Hamilton and a man of the best respectability. Also that I am partially acquainted with the said Amasa G. Ingalls and that he is as far as I have been acquainted with him a credible person and that their statements are entitled to credit.
Lucas Town Amasa G. Ingalls
James B. Eldredge first Judge of Franklin County.
I James B. Eldredge the person before whom the last foregoing affidavit was sworn and subscribed do certify that Lucas Town and Amasa G. Ingalls the above deponents are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. May 22 nd 1833.
James B. Eldredge J.P. and late Judge.

State of New York Oneida County
Benjamin Fuller of Rome in said Co age 75 years being duly sworn says that during the Revolutionary War he resided in the town of Norwich State Conn, where he was acquainted with Jonathan French who then lived in said town of Norwich and now in the town of Hamilton, County of Madison said state of New York, - That in February 1779 the same Major Fairfield Conn was burnt, this respondent and the said French enlisted the same evening with Lieutenant Perkins, to go aboard of the Oliver Cromwell a 20 gun ship commanded by Capt Timothy Parker - They shipped on board at New London, and sailed soon after on a cruise and were out on the cruise three months or more and returned into New London, and soon after sailed again on a cruise and were taken prisoners and carried to New York and were kept, for three months as prisoners of war - The whole term of service and imprisonment, amounting to more than six months as this respondent recollects. As to further say not except that the said
French is a man of credibility to be believed
from before me this 24th day of September 1832 and I know the said Benjamin Fuller to be a man of truth and veracity
Benjamin Fuller
J. H. Matthews Judge of Oneida County Counselor at Law

8816089 Jonathan Farnch Madison Co N.Y.
J.
J. B. Eldridge Hamilton Madison Co N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 16 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Jonathan French Madison Cook
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     mid July 1779 Ship Oliver Cromwell 6  Private Marine Lieut. Perkins Capt. Parker Hewson South York 67 years Connecticut cut to Italy Norwich Benjamin Parker evidence for fully 6 mo from July 79 til the period of service closed  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
of his was a naval ensign on board Oliver Cromwell - commandant of Parker 6 months entailed

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
John N. Wilson

Supplemental affidavit of Jonathan French Jr For Pension
Roswell Hudson atty and Agent
Sherburne. Chenango Co (N.Y.)

War Department Pension Office
Sept. 21. 1838
Sir,
The statement of W. Erastus Perkins shewing sundry payments to Jonathan French Jr. cannot be received as evidence of the claimant's services on board of the Ship Oliver Cromwell without some explanation. These payments were made on account of prize money. If the claimant was entitled to prize money, he will in a supplemental affidavit state what it was for.
I am respectfully Your Obdt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
Roswell Judson, Esqr. Sherburn N. York

State of New York Chenango County ss.
Jonathan French Junior the claimant mentioned in the foregoing letter of Hon. J. L. Edwards being duly sworn saith that during his services on board of the vessel Oliver Cromwell they captured a British Private Schooner South of Long Island and two British Sloops, and this deponent being one of the soldier's hands on Board of said vessel Oliver Cromwell was entitled to his share of the wares of the craft taken or property & money taken and that deponent's share is the same as mentioned in said account current of Erastus Perkins as mentioned in said letter of Hon. J. L. Edwards - & further that deponent saith not
Sworn to this 24 th Oct. 1838
Jonathan French
before me
Roswell Judson Com. of Deeds for Chenango County

STATE OF NEW-YORK, CHENANGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, PEREZ RANDALL, Clerk of the County of Chenango and of the County Courts of said County, do hereby certify, that Honorable Deacon Esq., whose name is subscribed to the an- nected, or foregoing, Affidavit was on the 24th day of October 18 38 a Year
Commissioner of Peace , in and for said County, duly qualified, and that full faith and credit are to be given to his official acts, as such, and further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Commissioner and verily believe that the signature to the annexed Affidavit is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County, the 24. day of October 18 38
P. Randall Clerk

State of New York
Cattaraugus County
On the 8th day of February AD 1837 personally appeared before me Jasper French a resident of the town of Tusten County and State aforesaid and after being duly sworn, deposes and saith that he was born in the town of Norwich County of New London and State of Connecticut in the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty five and that he is a brother of Jonathan French and that he was a resident of the same place aforesaid and that in the year 1778 in the Month of February between the 10th and 20th of said Month was known to Jonathan French aforesaid Enlisting as a Marine aboard a State Ship named Oliver Cromwell commanded by Timothy Packard, Jacob Perkins Jr being the Commander of the Company of Marines aboard said Ship & further that a few days after said Enlistment the said Jonathan Jonathan French aforesaid went aboard of said Ship & that the said Jonathan French was taken Prisoner by the British & in the Month of September 1778 was exchanged and came home
Sworn and Subscribed before me
this 8th day of February 1837
John H. Ferguson Justice
Jasper French
I have been acquainted with the above named Jasper French for about five years past & that he is of good Moral Character both as respects truth & veracity. February 8. 1837 John H. Ferguson. Justice

State of New York
Cortland County Clerk's Office ss. I Owen Stimson Clerk of said County do hereby certify that John H Ferguson Esquire was on the 8th day of February A.D. 1837 a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Cortland duly authorised to act as such. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe that the signature subscribed to the within affidavit to be genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 8th day of February A.D. 1837
Owen Stimson Clerk "

Invalid WIDOW, &c. Navy File No. 28434 Jonathan French Marine U.S. Frigate "Oliver Cromwell" Per War
Act: June 7. 1832 Index:—Vol. 4 , Page 23
[Arrangement of 1870.]

New York Revol.
Jonathan French
Suspended
see letter to
J. B. Eldridge,
17. August '33
Lt to same 17 Nov '34
" to J. B. Eldridge June 9, 1837
" " Roswell Judson 21. Sep. '38.
Act 7 June 1832

Pension Papers
V. May Sept 63 add post Jan a. French
See
Hon. S. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions War Department Pension Office Washington

Sherburne, Chenango Co. (N Y) 30. Aug. 1888
Hon d Sir
Inclosed I forward further evidence of Jonathan French , as required by you in the subjoined letter to J. B. Eldridge Esq. Mr Eldridge has been so tardy in this matter, that he placed the papers in my hands & I have sent to Connecticut and obtained the annexed, which I hope will be satisfactory to you. You will find my name in your department as a pension agent on the recommendation of Hon. S. Beardsley who cried in the halls of Congress. "Parish credit" The Democratic sky looks a little cloudy but I trust in God will soon look clear & bright & that knowledge & virtue will again cover the earth & brood over these our United States - Please hereafter communicate with me on this subject in lieu of Mr Eldridge & receive my wishes for your health & prosperity while I remain Your obt servt
Hon. V. L. Edwards
Roswell Hudson

J. Lohwerts Commissaire of Pussang

New York
Wesminster May 22 d 1833
J. D. Edwards Esq r
Enclosed here with is the pension papers of Jonathan French that were returned with a note referring to the justice certificates of the Credibility of the witnesses. I have examined them and am unable to discover any deficiency in them according to the requirements of the regulations of the War Office except in the first to the affidavit of Captain Ingles. When they came it I was but partially acquainted with Ingles. Since which he has taught school in our Village and I have become acquainted with him & have extended an unqualified certificate of his Credibility, which I hope will be satisfactory. If there should any further be required I trust you will point it out particularly.
I am Sir with respect Yours &c.
James B. Eldredge
At the time the affidavit was taken I was a Judge I have now relinquished that office but am a justice of the peace, and have signed the last certificates as such, and as late Judge
James B. Eldredge.

State of New York & ss Jonathan French being Mariner on County of ... steam in ... L ... cloth on his oath depose and say that he enlisted on board of the Oliver Cromwell under Timothy Parker commander during the Revolution and was as set forth in his discharges now in the war again, as a Marine but that while on board he evad- ed seamen's duty the whole time until he was (taken prisoner as is also set forth his dischar- -tion and further he saith not.
Jonathan French
Subscribed and sworn before me this 30th of September 1833 James B Eldredge Jr.
To J L Edwards Esq. Tenn. of Parsons Sir the above is the affidavit of Jonathan French taken in pursuance of yours of the 7th inst. in which you say there is defect in his case except, etc. I apprehend there must have been an omission in your letter otherwise you would have informed me what further defect exists. however if there still remains some further objection Mr French will run over them if in his power and he be assured what it is Yours respectfully J B Eldredge

State of New York Madison County Clerk's Office } ss. I, Andrew S. Sloan, Clerk of the said County, do certify that James P. Eldridge before whom the within Affidavit purports to have been sworn, was, at the date of the same, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writ- ing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this Ninth day of October 1833. A Sloan Clk
Jonathan French
This from Mr. Monroe's handwriting J. B. Sturges

FREE
HAD NOV 1880
16-3/4
James B Eldredge case Jonathan H. Smith add evidence
Lucy
J. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions City Washington

State of New York Madison County, Hamilton February 1 st 1837
J. L. Edwards, Esq d , Commissioner of Pensions. Dear Sir, I now enclose to the War Department an affidavit in the matters of the petition of Jonathan French of Hamilton Madison County New York for a pension Mr. French's papers have been for a long time in the office and Mr. West given his claim up as hopeless until you best advise me on the subject. Since which he has been endeavoring to find some one of his wife's mates, but his search has proved vain. All the proof he can make is the enclosed affidavit. You will confer a favor on Mr. & Mrs. French by letting him know what is the decision of the Department in relation to his claim, as soon as convenient.
I write you some time since requesting instructions and a certificate or copy of the Law by which Widows were entitled to receive pensions, & obtain them. If consistent with the regulations of the Department you would do me a favor by forwarding a copy of the Law and of the rules & regulations set forth by the Department, in such cases, as there are now some claimants in this county that may be moved.
I am Respectfully Yours &c
James B. Eldridge

Supplemental Petition of Jonathan French For Pension under act of 7 th June 1832.
Roswell Judson Agent & Atty.
Herburne. Chemung Co (N Y)

1779 To Jonathan French due to Jacob Perkins Agent for Crew the Oliver Cromwell    Jan 26 To 2nd floor of his Father  £ 11-17-0  1779  By his share profits of George  £ 115. 8-0    To Cash 100 Dollars at 30  30-0-0  Oct  York, Hopper & Dowe  22-11-7    Aug 30 To Cash 100 Dollars  30-0-0   By his share Profit  £ 137.19-7    Sept 21 To Cash for himself  66-2-7        £ 137-19-7     
I Erastus Perkins of Norwich in the County of New London & State of Connecticut aged eighty six years having been duly examined and cautioned to speak the whole truth, do on my oath testify and say That the above is a true extract from the Books of & concerning the Ship Oliver Cromwell kept by myself for my father the said Jacob Perkins who was agent for the said Ship's crew. the Books are now in my possession - the Ship Oliver Cromwell was a State Ship owned by the State of Connecticut, and Commanded by Capt. Timothy Parker of Norwich - and further the deponent saith not,
Erastus Perkins
Norwich Augt. 11 th 1838-
Sworn and subscribed before me August 11-1838
Asa Root Justice of the Peace
Fees 5-

Pension Office,
June 9. 1837.
Sir,
The papers of Jonathan French, whose Claim is referred to in your letter of the 9th February last, have been again examined.
There is no evidence in the Department that the Oliver Cromwell, Captain Parker, was in the Continental service, as alleged by the claimant. To establish the claim of the applicant to a pension under the act of 7 June 1832, it will be necessary to bring some more satisfactory proof as to that fact.
I am, respectfully, Your obt servt. J L Edwards
James B. Eldridge Esq Hamilton Madison County New York.

Get Pension Papers? Miss. French Mr. James French
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington

Sherburne, Chenango co. N.Y. 24. Oct. 1838
Hon d Lin
Enclosed is supplemental afft. of Jonathan French for which I forward agreeable to your directions I hope it will be satisfactory, as the old man is so feeble he will probably not be able to make and execute any further papers, I believe that the in- closed afft. contains the information desired -
I remain Your obt servt
Roswell Judson
Hon L. Edwards
P.S. We do not intend you shall be troubled with John C. Clark at Washington this winter!!!

French
Brumf Mar 13 Purdue papers
Hon. J. S. Edwards Commr of Pensions War Department Washington

Sherburne Chenango Co. (N.Y.) 6 th March 1839
Hon. d. Sir
On the 8 th of Jany. last I wrote you relative to the Claim for pension of Jonathan French Jr. some time during last fall you wrote for an afft. in addition to what had already been rec d stating something relating to his prize money before he could obtain his pension. I accordingly prepared for him his afft. agreeable to your request, attached it to your letter and returned the same to your Department nothing has been rec d in answer except a letter lately found in our post office advertised, directed to Jonathan French Jr. and upon opening the same the contents of the letter was on the subject of a Claim of Ebenezer Costin which was also mentioned in my letter of the 8 th of Jany. which doubtless was the cause of their being commingled together - will you please return answer to the application of Jonathan French Jr. he was from Connecticut the claim has been some years pending and the old man is near his grave and his friends would like to have his case decided so as to save the expense of going over the ground again for the widow - my name is entered as a pension agent in your Books upon recomm d of Hon. S. B. Beman
with respect Your obed Servt
Hon J. S. Edwards
Roswell Hudson

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
June 11 th 1840.
Sir :
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Jonathan French, — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N.Y. Agency, at the rate of Twenty four Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of March, to the 1 st Sept. 1839.
Respectfully yours,
Edward B. Hastings Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
December 21 st , 1840.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Jonathan French, — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N.Y. Agency, at the rate of Twenty four Dollars and  Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1839, to the 4 th March 1840.
Respectfully yours,
William B. Parsons Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.